U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon blocked the Trump administration from airing three taxpayer-funded advertisements, including one promoting a $5,000 payout to Americans if Republicans retain congressional control in the midterms. Siding with a coalition including Common Cause, Rochon ordered the ads removed from government websites and social media platforms for 14 days. The White House denounced the ruling as a lawless decision by an activist judge.
Details of the court order
- ▪U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon issued a 14-day temporary restraining order, blocking the Trump administration from airing three taxpayer-funded advertisements
- ▪Judge Rochon stated that irreparable harm would occur before the 2026 midterm election if the government was not restrained while the lawsuit brought by Common Cause proceeds
- ▪The federal court order by Judge Rochon requires the government to remove the blocked advertisements challenged in Common Cause's lawsuit from official government websites and social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram
Legal challenge against the advertisements
- ▪A coalition including Common Cause, Democracy Forward, a New York labor union, and an Alabama Democratic candidate filed suit alleging the Trump administration used public funds for partisan propaganda
- ▪Democracy Forward lawyer Bradley Girard stated that federal law passed by Congress prohibits funding partisan advertisements with taxpayer dollars
Government defense and reaction
- ▪The White House defended the advertisements named in Common Cause's lawsuit as public service announcements comparable to those created by previous presidential administrations to explain government policies
- ▪Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Oestericher argued that White House staff may compile advertisements to inform the public about administration policies and rebut political attacks
Specific advertisements targeted
- ▪The court order issued by Judge Rochon blocked three specific Trump administration advertisements titled "$5,000 to Americans," "Every Democrat Voted Against No Tax on Tips," and "Cost of Socialism."
- ▪The advertisement titled "$5,000 to Americans" featured President Donald Trump's claim that every American would receive $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the 2026 midterms
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